Nico is worried about Leo. It's not that they're close or anything, they barely spoke to each other in Argo II. But everything he's done to himself reminds him a lot about himself.
Nico had only one suicide attempt before; it was after his sister's death, in front of Minos, his ghost guide who ended up fooling him. He had tried to slash his wrists to death (the same as the son of Hephaestus had done), but Minos had stopped him in time, using wise words.
"Nico, think." Minos had told him, using his manipulative tone. He needed Nico to stay alive if he wanted to carry out his plans. "If you die, you will never see Bianca again. You'd be sent to the punishment camps."
"And what does that matter anymore?" Nico had questioned, knife in hand. "I am a son of Hades. I will be welcomed and accepted in the underworld, unlike here."
"But the judges won't care about that." Minos insisted. "Just think about it."
The young Nico realized that the ghost was right; the judges would no longer be merciful to him just because he was the son of Hades. And his father would be disappointed. And gods, what would Bianca think?
The boy dropped the knife with a grunt. "Fine, I won't do it. Just for my sister."
But even if he had only tried it once, it didn't mean he hadn't thought about it multiple times. Or that he hadn't hurt himself multiple times, even if he only remembered a few. He only stopped when life at Camp Half-Blood started to feel right, and he simply started to enjoy the experience.
However, Leo obviously hasn't had the same luck as him. Although he had to leave camp for a few days due to 'urgent business in the underworld', Will kept Nico up to date on Leo's worrisome case.
He thought it made sense for him to tell him what happened, since he has the same kind of background. Will also believes that he could be helpful in talking to Leo, and Nico agrees. Normally he wouldn't and would avoid the situation, but something inside him tells him to help the Latino.
So on July 5th he is back at the camp. Leo is leaving the infirmary with Hazel and Will. If Nico didn't know better, he'd say he's totally fine. His smile is the same mischievous smile as always, but it's obvious that something has changed inside him. Or, the truth is coming out.
That's why he's not surprised when he approaches Leo and he greets him even almost cheerfully.
"Hello, Dead Boy!" He smiles, running a hand through his hair. "What are we doing today?"
"We're just going to spend the day at Hades' cabin." Nico explains, and he and Leo walk there.
His cabin is a bit dark, but Nico finds it a nice place. There is a single bunk bed, which he usually shares with Hazel when she visits. There's a black wooden table in the middle with a couple of chairs, and the room in general is decorated with skulls and a couple of paintings.
Leo raises an eyebrow. "Man, this place is creepy."
Nico can't contain a small smile that forms on his lips, and invites Leo to take a seat.
"So," The son of Hades begins, taking his seat as well. "Will has told me that you tried to end your life, in addition to hurting yourself." He says in a straightforward manner. He doesn't beat around the bush.
Leo nods quickly, averting his eyes. But he doesn't give an answer.
"May I know why?" He asks, trying to nudge Leo a little.
Leo bites his lower lip. "Loneliness."
Nico understands; Leo must be lonely. He'd noticed how he'd always been a seventh wheel, a ghost, and he understands how ugly it is to feel left out and isolated from the world. He's been through the same thing.
"Okay. And why do you feel lonely?"
Leo doesn't answer, again. Nico notices how uncomfortable he feels with him, so he decides it's best to leave it at that.
"Look, I know I'm not exactly the person you'd want to talk to, but you should try talking to someone." Nico says. Leo just sighs, and lets out a small chuckle.
"I'll only do it if you do me a favor; go on a date with Will." Leo asks, making Nico blush deeply.
"Hey, but what the-!?"
"Come on, we all know you guys are dying for each other. Why do you think Will looks at you like that every time you help out in the infirmary? Or why did he even ask you to help with this?"
Nico just rubs the back of his neck, and Leo's smile only grows even bigger.
"Fine," the Italian agrees. "I'll go on a date with Will, but only if you promise to talk about your problems with someone."
"I promise."
-
A/N: I find it ironic to put Solangelo in the story when my username indicates that I love Valdangelo, but this story doesn't contain that ship. Maybe I'll make a story exclusively for it, but it's in doubt. Literally in a week I start classes.
